Page 99 of Bracing the Blue Line (Bracing for Love 1)

“We couldn't let her pick her name, but we let her decide our future?”

“Technically, I decided and then she helped you decide. She was moving around before I put your hand there.”

“God, I love you,” I laugh as I kiss her temple.

It's not until Audra quietly replies, “I love you too, Neil,” that I realize exactly what I said.

My heart nearly bursts on the spot with her words. The last thing I wanted after Candace died turned out to be exactly what I needed. I needed someone to love, care for, and be there for. I didn't really need for someone to do that in return. I just needed to be able to do all those things for someone else again because for a long time, I didn't think it was possible. Audra's that person for me. She's even managed to help me heal. Not to mention that she's giving me a daughter, and she loves me too.

“C'mon. Let's put our dishes away and go lay down. My back is bothering me, too. Will you please put those hands to work?” she asks, giving me a small kiss, as if I need an incentive.

“Of course. You can go on up, if you want. I can take care of these.” I nod towards the plates.

“No, I can help.”

So we put away our dishes, and I give her a massage before we lay down for bed. Life is looking pretty damn good, if I say so myself. Baby girl will be here soon, and as I fall asleep, I pray that she'll be healthy. I can't wait to meet her.

“GRANT,” JON CALLS out. “Luce is here.”

So far, living with her brothers hasn't been too bad. We're all learning how to be around each other when we're here. There are still things I don't understand about them, but that's their business, not mine. Plus, I actually see Lucy a bit more because she'll come to see her brothers, and I'm already here as well.

“Hey,” I greet once I find her and her brothers in the kitchen.

Lucy smiles and kisses me quickly on the lips. “Hey.”

“What did I tell you about that?” Jon frowns at his sister.

She shrugs. “I'll kiss him if I want. You should be grateful that we're not making out in front of you.”

Jon groans as does Patrick, but Patrick's turns into a laugh. “Don't you have a 5K to run?” he a

sks. “Grant, make sure you beat her time for us.”

Jon shakes his head. “Make sure she doesn't get dehydrated. That's what you should be telling him, Patrick.” A small smile does appear on his face. “But definitely beat her time.”

I glance at Lucy, who rolls her eyes. “Grant's not leaving my side, so he can't beat my time. And he will take care of me. Won't you?” She turns to face me and takes my hand.

“Of course.”

Jon and I are still getting used to each other, but for the most part, things are good between her brothers and me. It's good to be around them when Lucy isn't around. I get more insight into their personalities instead of the overbearing, overprotective brothers that they are around Lucy. They trust me more, and they are even kind of fun to be around. It's just hard to tell whenever Lucy is here.

“Let's go do this,” I say, pulling her to the door before we're late.

“C'MON, LUCY,” I breathe. “Almost there.” We have half a mile left of this fucking 5K. It's really not so bad because we've been running for a while now, but Lucy's slowing down a bit.

“How much further?”

“Half mile.”

Her pace picks back up and soon, we're crossing the finish line. We weren't the fastest or the slowest, but we finished. Lucy bends over with her hands on her knees once we're out of the way. I take her hand, making her stand upright, and I pull her to me for a hug, even though we're both hot.

“I'm so proud of you,” I whisper.

Before she can respond, Maddie shouts, “Lucy! You did it! And you too, Grant.”

Lucy pulls away to face Maddie and Winston. The girls hug and I say to Winston, “You piece of shit. You should have run too.”

He grins. “I know how to tell Maddie no. Maybe you should take notes and learn a thing or two.”

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